The Economist makes it easier for us to understand how the Swiss franc, Czech koruna, and other international currencies stack up economically by using Big Macs. Based on the theory of purchasing-power parity, which argues that, ideally, exchange rates move to reach equilibrium, this index allows the mega sandwich to predict exchange rates. While it's a crafty analysis—and who doesn't like a melancholy Ronald McDonald in an Economist chart—different countries look at the burger differently. An inferior good to some, it's a normal dinner in poorer regions. Another issue: India, obviously a major player in global economies, is absent. The Hindu-dominated country skips the meaty patty for religious reasons, and can instead order the Maharaja Mac, made with chicken.